Summary

Proof 1/2 Rupee, Issued by Mauritius, 1934
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Crowned and draped bust of the King facing left and extending to the rim of the coin, the King is wearing the Imperial Crown and the ermine Robe of State and the Badge of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath; around, GEORGE V KING EMPEROR

Reverse Description

A sambar deer stag standing facing left; around, MAURITIUS HALF RUPEE; in exergue, 1934

Edge Description

Milled (security edge)

Significance

This new silver coinage was authorised by the Mauritian Coinage Ordinance, 1934 which ended the use of the Indian Rupee on the island and authorised a Mauritian Rupee from 22 September 1934. Up to that time Mauritian coins were only issued as fractions of the Indian Rupee.

The Sambar deer was introduced by the Dutch as a food source in 1639. It is used as a supporter, with the dodo, on the arms of Mauritius.

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